US President Joe Biden has announced Israel had proposed a three-stage plan to Hamas aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire.
Amid a mounting death toll in Gaza, the United States is under huge pressure to end the conflict.
Mr. Biden defined the plan as a thorough Israeli proposal that paved the way for a permanent ceasefire.
The plan consists of three phases, beginning with a six-week ceasefire and the release of a number of hostages. Phase two would see the release of all remaining hostages, and the full pull-out of Israeli forces from Gaza. The third phase focuses on the reconstruction of the territory.
Hamas quickly indicated it viewed the proposals in a positive light, but any final agreement is far from certain.
However, on Saturday, Benjamin Netanyahu insisted there will be no permanent truce in Gaza until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities were ended and all hostages released.
Despite this, the White House will be desperately hoping that the first seeds towards a peace deal have been sown.
By Nathan Morley | VaticanNews
